Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia posted emphatic victories as the European contingent shone in the first round at the Accenture Match Play Championship.
Harrington built a big lead with six birdies in the first 12 holes against American Jerry Kelly, the Open champion subsequently closing it out for a four-and-three victory at Dove Mountain, another confidence-boosting performance as he works his way back to form.
‘I got the start I wanted (two-up after four holes) and from there on I felt solid and kept moving forward,’ said the Harrington, who recently suffered a bout of flu, as well as a minor case of shingles.
‘Jerry obviously had to go after the pins and was under more pressure in that sense. That really made all the difference, the putting.
‘I don't believe I am quite on the top of my game. I'm not feeling as comfortable as I could when I'm on the course.
‘I'm working hard for everything I'm getting. I'm still a little bit uncompetitive, a bit rusty (but) I'm happy with the form I showed today.’
Montgomerie, meanwhile, did not look like the lowly 59th seed as he beat highly-rated American Jim Furyk three and two on a day when fellow British players Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Bradley Dredge also won their respective matches.
Spaniard Garcia, out in the day's first match, took an early lead and was never seriously threatened as he cruised to a three-and-two victory over Australian John Senden on a cool morning.
